PT and Public Health

Lastly to build a long lasting impact of health promotion and prevention of health conditions later down life we must turn to public policy. As PTs we were taught to advocate for ourselves and for our patients. Therefore the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) has advocated for many bills that will do just that. One bill in particular is in Congress right now called the Healthcare Workforce Innovation Act (H.R. 7307). Through this bill, a grant program would authorize funds for community health centers in effort to expand the number of allied health professionals including PTs in underserved communities and rural areas. I chose to bring this into light because of how influential it could be for my community in the RGV. A place with limited resources and access to healthcare for many rural areas. With the increased funding, this could help those who don’t have the resources to pursue a career in healthcare. On the societal level this will not just help my own community, but for...

  Now, how can PTs be able to influence change on the community scale? PTs contribute by partnering with local organizations, community centers, schools, and churches. Here in Houston, PTs are very involved in many organizations outside their own places of work. Some typical things they do at these places are movement screenings, health education seminars, and teaching group physical therapy classes. I've seen PTs work alongside the medical tents at running events like the Houston Rodeo Run to help with any injured runners. PTs are also involved with adaptive sports with some taking place at the University of Houston or community centers such as West Gray Recreation Center. These modified sports are designed to allow people with disabilities to participate in friendly competition.  For my classmates and I, these are programs where we had the opportunity to work alongside some patients we may encounter in the clinic. And I tell you, these children and adults play hard and chall...

To change our culture we must be able to start with public health which is to focus on intervention or prevention of these chronic health problems. Like I said before, people think physical therapy is only there to help with injuries and rehabilitation. Yet a very important part is beyond just the patient. As physical therapists being able to take four categories into consideration from the - individual patients; their relationship with others; the community in which they live in; as well as overall in society - are the steps into promoting real change in healthier living for all.  Intervention planning first starts with the individual. When PTs first meet a patient, we do a comprehensive physical exam and evaluation to make sure you belong in PT! We then educate on proper physical activity and encourage you to stay active even when you are discharged from our care! PTs will work to make realistic and achievable goals catered to you. If you want to be able to walk up a flight of st...

I grew up in the Rio Grande Valley (RGV), on the southern border of Texas. A place with a big metropolitan area, yet with many little rural towns spread all around the region. A tropical desert known for its citrus production and other fruit/vegetable crops, with many farm fields harvested annually to reach markets across Texas. The RGV being so close to Mexico is deeply rooted in Hispanic culture. From the annual Charro Days in Brownsville and the FESTIBA Mariachi Festival at UTRGV, these are a few of the many traditions of the RGV that showcases its great Hispanic heritage. Because family is also an integral part of our culture, food is a staple part in how we connect, celebrate, and show up for one another. Whether it is tamales at Delia’s or tacos at the McAllen Food Park, there is an abundance of food to be shared with everyone! Unfortunately it is also one of the areas in the country that is on top of lists for obesity and other chronic health conditions. It is common to see th...